Athens Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Georgia Motorcycle Laws

Georgia has specific laws in place to promote motorcycle safety and reduce accidents. Understanding these regulations can help determine liability and protect your rights as a rider.

• Helmet Law – Georgia law requires all motorcyclists and passengers to wear DOT-approved helmets.
• Eye Protection – Riders must use approved windshields or wear protective eyewear.
• Lane Splitting – Lane splitting (riding between lanes of traffic) is illegal in Georgia.
• Licensing Requirements – A Class M license or endorsement is required to operate a motorcycle legally.
• Insurance Requirements – Minimum liability coverage is required, but optional coverage like uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) is highly recommended.

Violations of these laws can affect your case. However, even if you were partially at fault or not fully compliant, you may still be entitled to compensation. Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means you can recover damages as long as you're less than 50% at fault.

Compensation Available for Injured Bikers

Motorcycle accidents often result in severe injuries such as broken bones, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), road rash, and more. As your Athens motorcycle accident attorney, Van Sant Law is committed to helping you pursue maximum compensation for all your losses, including:

• Medical Expenses – Emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and ongoing treatment costs.
• Lost Wages – Compensation for missed work and loss of future earning potential.
• Pain and Suffering – Emotional distress, physical pain, and diminished quality of life.
• Property Damage – Repair or replacement of your motorcycle and gear.
• Wrongful Death – If a loved one was killed in a motorcycle crash, we can pursue damages for funeral costs, loss of companionship, and financial support.

We work with medical professionals, accident reconstruction experts, and financial analysts to build a comprehensive case that fully accounts for your damages.

How Insurance Companies Treat Motorcyclists

Unfortunately, insurance companies are notorious for treating motorcyclists unfairly. Riders are often stereotyped as reckless or risk-takers, and insurers may try to shift blame or downplay injuries to minimize payouts.

You might hear phrases like:

• “You were going too fast.”
• “You must’ve been weaving through traffic.”
• “Your injuries aren’t that serious.”

Don’t fall for these tactics. At Van Sant Law, we know how to push back against insurance adjusters and protect our clients from bad faith practices. We negotiate aggressively, and if necessary, take your case to court to ensure you receive fair compensation.

Why Hire a Lawyer?

There are several important reasons to consider hiring a personal injury law firm after a motorcycle accident:

Knowledge of the Law

 With decades of experience helping Georgia motorbike accident victims recover compensation, our attorneys understand all applicable laws. This, in turn, helps us build strong cases for our clients.

Guidance Through the Process

Our legal service for motorcycle accident victims goes far beyond simply filing claims. Our skilled lawyers help clients through every step of the legal process. Let us handle the stress for you, managing the legal steps on your behalf.

Maximizing Your Recovery

Having a trusted legal advocate in your corner can help improve your chances of obtaining full and fair compensation for your losses. Your attorney will fight to help you obtain the compensation you deserve to pay medical expenses, cover lost wages, and for your pain and suffering.

Evaluation of Compensation

How much is your motorcycle accident claim worth? The answer is, “it depends.” Every claim is different, and the value of your claim will be based on the underlying facts and circumstances of the accident. In some cases, victims recover thousands of dollars in compensation; other claims are worth millions.

When you schedule a free consultation with a knowledgeable attorney from Van Sant Law, your lawyer will ask questions and gather details to provide an estimated value for your claim. Motorcycle accident victims often need significant medical treatment for their injuries, both immediately following the crash and on an ongoing basis.

Your lawyer will work to evaluate what a full and fair settlement would look like and will fight for your right to obtain the compensation you deserve. Your compensation should include both direct economic damages, like medical costs and lost wages, and noneconomic damages, designed to compensate you for pain and suffering. We will negotiate fiercely on your behalf and will carefully evaluate settlement offers to ensure they are fair.

Legal Proceedings

Most motorcycle accident claims in Georgia settle outside of court. However, know that if the other party is unwilling to agree to a fair settlement, your attorney will be prepared to argue your case at trial. We are committed to helping you recover the compensation you deserve, while holding responsible parties accountable for their actions.

It is important to understand that you do not have unlimited time to file a claim for compensation after a Georgia motorcycle accident. The statute of limitations for most Athens motorcycle accident claims is two years from the date of the crash. If you wait too long to act, you may not be able to recover any compensation. Consulting with a Van Sant Law attorney as soon as possible after your accident can help you preserve your legal rights and ensure you meet all required deadlines.

Immediate Care After a Motorcycle Accident

If you've been in a motorcycle accident, we recommend visiting Piedmont Athens Regional Hospital nearby. The center specializes in treating injuries from accidents like yours and can provide the care you need. It's important to seek medical attention promptly to ensure your well-being and recovery.